Your Child’s Teeth: From Birth to Age Six

The Significance of Baby Teeth in Your Child’s Growth

Baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous, are far more than just temporary fixtures in your child’s mouth. These initial teeth are vital for proper development, as they assist in chewing, speaking, and maintaining space in the jaw for the permanent teeth that will emerge later. 

Typically, baby teeth start to emerge around the age of 6 months. By age 3, most children will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth. Although these teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, premature loss of a baby tooth can result in misalignment or crowding when adult teeth come in. 

Permanent teeth begin to appear around age six, and most children will have all their adult teeth by their teenage years. However, the timeline for tooth eruption can vary from child to child, so your little one might experience these changes a bit earlier or later.

Managing Teething Discomfort 

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, often starting around the six-month mark. Symptoms may include irritability, increased drooling, and a tendency to chew or bite on complex objects. Swollen gums and disrupted sleep or eating patterns are also common. To ease your baby’s discomfort:

• Gently massage their gums with a clean, damp cloth or your finger. 
• Offer a chilled teething ring (ensure it’s not filled with liquid or plastic). 
• If discomfort persists, consult with your baby’s dentist or pediatrician. 

The FDA advises against using benzocaine-based teething gels (such as Anbesol®, Orajel®, etc.) due to potential severe reactions in children. More information is available on the FDA website: www.fda.gov. 

Scheduling the First Dental Checkup

It’s recommended that your child visits the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or no later than their first birthday. This initial visit, often called a “well-baby checkup” for their teeth, helps establish a positive relationship with the dentist and sets the stage for healthy dental habits. Early visits are crucial as baby teeth can start to decay soon after they appear. A comfortable first experience can help prevent anxiety about future dental visits. 

Preventing Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth

Sugar is prevalent in many liquids and foods babies consume, including breast milk, formula, and fruit juices. The residual sugar can become acid that damages tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Here are ways to prevent tooth decay: 

Breastfeeding: 

• After breastfeeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, moist cloth. 
• Once teeth emerge, brush them after each feeding. 

Bottles, Sipping, and Snacking: 

• Avoid giving fruit juice before your baby turns one. 
• Limit sugary liquids and snacks to mealtimes. 
• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. 
• Opt for healthy snacks over sugary treats. 

Pacifiers: 

• Avoid pretasting pacifiers or spoons before giving them to your baby.
• Do not dip pacifiers or bottle nipples in sweet substances. 

Proper Oral Hygiene for Children

Like adults, children need regular brushing and flossing to maintain dental health. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Clean between their teeth daily with floss or a floss aid. 

Brushing Tips

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. 
• Use gentle, short strokes to clean all tooth surfaces. 
• Children under three should use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, while those aged three to six can use a pea-sized amount. Fluoride mouth rinses are not recommended for children under six years old.

Flossing and Between-the-Teeth Care

Start flossing your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that touch. The ADA suggests cleaning between teeth daily until they can handle it themselves, usually around age 10 or 11. 

The Role of Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water sources and helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more decay resistant. Ensure your child consumes fluoridated water and uses fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride treatments from multiple sources provide extra protection against cavities. 

Addressing Sucking Habits

Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use are natural in infants but can affect dental development if continued long-term. Most children stop these habits by ages 2 to 4. If your child continues to suck their thumb or use a pacifier, consult their dentist or pediatrician for guidance on how to address this habit. 

Understanding the importance of baby teeth and taking proactive steps in dental care help lay a strong foundation for your child’s oral health.